City mourns Sridevi’s demise

The untimely death of Bollywood actor Sridevi (54) has left the city in bereavement with fans from all quarters pouring in condolences. The actress suffered a cardiac arrest, while attending the wedding of her sister-in-law’s son, actor Mohit Marwah, in Dubai. Naina Mishra spoke to residents. This is what they said:

Flashback 1993: Sridevi night in Ludhiana

A mega event starring Sridevi was held in Ludhiana at Guru Nanak Stadium in 1993. KPS Gill, the then Director General of Police (DGP), brought Sridevi to Ludhiana. The funds raised from the event were given to the police charity. Beant Singh, the then CM was the chief guest. Amarjit Singh Tikka, while reminiscing the ’90s era, when Punjab was living under the horror of terrorism and no one dared to step out of their home in the dusk, said: “She was a great and humble actress. She did a mega show in Punjab at a time when people used to stay inside during terrorism days. She brought light to the dark days for a day in Punjab. People from all over Punjab came to see her. Seeing her, they all cheered and rejoiced. It was indeed a start to brave terrorism. This is the biggest tribute people of Punjab can give to the actress who performed for the victims of terrorism.” 

Agyapal Singh said: “This is such a sad news. I still have fond memories of Sridevi, when she came to Ludhiana in 1993. I was the president of Ludhiana Citizens Council and we had organised ‘Balle Balle Sridevi Night’. Many other actors and actresses including Akshay Kumar, Illa Arun, Asrani and others were part of the show. But Sridevi was the star attraction. She was so amazing and her dance numbers are still fresh in our memories. It was one of the best-attended functions during those days, when Punjab was struggling to get out of terrorism. A cheque for Rs 25 lakh was given to the CM in aid of the Punjab Police welfare programme.” Chairman of Ludhiana Citizens Council Darshan Arora said: “This was the biggest ever stage show in Punjab. Sridevi performed for the first time in India and that too in Punjab. We collected a plethora of wealth and from that amount, we built women hostel for martyrs’ wives. She performed splendidly and kept the audience spellbound. She was a great artist without a doubt. The film will never forget her contribution to Indian cinema. She played a major role in strengthening ties between Hindus and Sikhs during that time. She was overwhelmed with the Punjabis hospitality.”

Irreparable loss, say fans

The irreparable loss has given the fans some lessons to remember and an unforgettable era. “We have all grown up with her movies. She was an epitome of beauty as it was seen in that era, vivacious reporter of Mr India and ravishing Chandni in white, a memory all of us have imprinted in our minds,” said Ludhiana based Monika Choudhary, chairperson FICCI FLO ASEAN India.  Ravneet Gurm says: “Sridevi’s untimely death teaches you to cherish life in each moment. I remember we used to do ‘Hawa-Hawai’ all the time with my cousins. She was an iconic figure among women as she rose from the time when it was a patriarchal industry.” 

Akash, a local resident, says: “I remember fighting for Sridevi’s autograph with cousins during an event in Delhi. We all photocopied the autograph and kept it with us. For me, she is the queen of Bollywood. I cannot believe she is no more. I am not over the loss yet. Life is so uncertain.”